Getting a Home Holiday-Ready This Season

NEW YORK -- Believe it or not, this is a great time to look into hiring a holiday lighting professional. Their schedules fill up fast as the cold months approach. An Angi survey found that nearly two-thirds of homeowners plan to decorate for the holidays, with front yards, indoor trees and windows topping the list of display spots.

For many, those glowing strands are the essence of seasonal cheer, but the road to that warm glow is often paved with frustration. Last year, 81% of people who decorated their own homes told us they ran into trouble. Add in icy ladders and finicky electrical connections, and it's easy to see why 42% are considering hiring help this year.

Hiring a professional holiday decorator can run anywhere from $300 for simple work to more than $2,500 for a full-house transformation. The trick to spending wisely is knowing what drives those numbers.

The biggest cost factor is the size and ambition of your decorating plan. A small project, like trimming a single tree or adding wreaths, may be priced as a flat fee. Large, complex displays often switch to hourly or per-square-foot pricing. If you want every room decked out, plus exterior lighting, expect the labor hours and material costs to multiply quickly.

For most homeowners, holiday lighting is the single largest line item. Costs vary with your home's size, the complexity of installation and the types of bulbs used. Larger homes require more linear footage of lights and may involve difficult ladder work or roofline access that increases labor rates.

Bulb choice matters, too. LEDs cost more upfront than incandescent strands, but they cut long-term electricity costs. Smart or color-changing lights can push material expenses even higher.

Labor costs rise in proportion to difficulty, so placement matters in your budget. A simple balcony wrap may be inexpensive, but high rooflines, tall outdoor trees, and intricate ground displays add hours. Pros may charge per linear foot or per element installed. If your vision includes lighting every tree in the yard, plan for significant time and ladder work.

A typical decorating bill is about 65% materials and 35% labor. That means your first year with a decorator will likely be the most expensive, since you'll be buying the lights, wreaths, garlands and other pieces for the first time. In following years, reusing your materials can reduce the bill substantially.

Different pros bring different pricing. Landscapers who offer holiday packages may charge $50 to $100 per hour, while interior designers who design custom looks often run $50 to $200 per hour. Highly specialized holiday decorators can reach the top end of the range, especially if they're providing both design and installation.

When hiring, verify licensing, bonding and insurance. These are always crucial steps, but they take on extra importance on jobs that involve ladders and going on the roof.

Be sure to plan for additional expenses that might arise. Electricity use can spike in December, particularly with incandescent or all-night displays. LEDs or timer-controlled lights can keep utility bills manageable. You might also need an electrician to add outlets or handle wiring for larger displays. When the season ends, you'll either pay extra for takedown or bundle it into your original contract. This can range from $100 to $200 for light and decor removal. Handling takedown yourself is one of the easiest ways to trim your budget.

The magic of the holidays comes from the atmosphere you create. With a clear plan, you can have a showstopping home without overspending. By understanding the cost factors and making strategic choices, you'll get maximum sparkle for your holiday budget.

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